Hi, How do you format your pc?

Question

My computer was shut down last nite and I couldn't turn it on all I got was a black screen saying "there are some files missing" could it be a virus? I think I should format my pc but honestly I never done this before so I'd be very glad if you could tell me what to do step by step....Thanx in advance....

Answer 1

Plz tell us the files that arte missing cause some files cannot be recoverd
Use system recovery(by inserting your windows cd)
When the system recovery starts and asks you the instalation you want to repair press 1 and the password is your administratos password.... it is not nessecairy that you have a password....
to copy files use the command:
help copy to find how the copy command works


In order to format your pc(primary hard disk drive) or any drive follow this guide.
Method a for formating a computer
Open your PC
1)Insert your Windows cd (any version)
2)Press rappidly esc or F1(depends on your bios) in order to access the boot screen
3)Boot from the cd
4)Wait for the windows installer to finish loading
5)Choose install windows.... Format partion
Now You have to options: Quick format and Format
If you are formating a home pc i suggest you to use auick format...The :"full" is suggested for new hard drives and for Enterprise pc where data must not be able to be recoverd....
When the format finishes it will copy files....

Method B format a hdd
1) Go to My computer
2) Right click to the Hdd
3)Click Format
4) Select File system

Fat -> Windows 95 and older
Fat32 -> WIndows 98
Ntfs -> Windows 2000 and above

5)Check quick format
6) Press Star

IF YOU WANT TO FORMAT YOU PC AND DO NOT INSTALL WINDOWS format your hdd with it brand's software

Answer 2

I think there is a problem with ntdlr or other startup file, you don't have to reformat the disk( in most cases)

Boot with the Win XP cd as others said
Wait til driver loading is over
there will be 3 options
select this
"to repair a previous installtion using recovery console press f3" like that
enter the recovery console.
you will be asked to select the drive where windows is installed on.
select the drive( in most cases you have press 1 and enter)
then at the command prompt type fixboot and enter
then restart machine.

If that didn't work.follow the same steps and type fixmbr and press enter. restart.

If that didn't work either

boot with the XP CD
Choose the option Install windows now(or anything like that-i don't remember that exactly.) instead of recovery console you tried.
Then reinstall XP.(following the instructions on the screen)
Then you will get XP reinstalled and your data back.


remember
reformatting is the last option.

I've experienced the same problem many times and above method are the perfect. Those should solve your problems.

Answer 3

You will need your copy of Windows or whatever operating system you are using. Put the CD into the CD Rom drive and power off your computer. Power your computer back on, it should automatically start the cd drive and start loading files. If it does not then you will need to go in to your BIOS and make sure that the CD Rom is your Boot Drive.

Next after it loads some temp files it will look for previous versions of Windows. Follow the prompts to delete out any partitions that have the operating system (The C-Drive). Next it will go back and you will want to install a FRESH copy of your operating system. It will then load all the files onto the hard drive, you can come back to it every so often to check the status. Once it has the operating system loaded it will guide you through setting up the operating system again just follow the prompts. Hope this helped.

Answer 4

First you look for the nearest window and then you pick up the PC and toss it out. Or you can put it in the middle of the road and let a Mac truck run it over. Both suggestions will work . And in the end it will be easier.. It would help to know what kind of PC you have. Some like Dell, and Hp's have windows permanently on the hard drive. If it is a dell all you need to do is hold down the alt ctrl f11 on boot up and it will do everything on it's own..

Answer 5

Hi, If you are running Windows XP and have the operating cd, you can chuck that in your computer and boot from the cd. Follow through the steps and then choose to install a fresh copy of windows. It will ask you to format a segment of you hard drive. Pick the one with the biggest memory size. It will format your hard drive, then install windows back on. There is a step by step guide to setting your computer up once windows starts to install. If you require any assistance please don't hesitate to contact me back. Good Luck

Answer 6

place xp disc in drive
press delete key to enter bios .find boot options and change to cd (first boot)
restart and follow on screen instruction
its that simple
when asked if you want to format or just replace windows files choose and procede

Answer 7

U do need a reboot CD, or a floppy of win 98. then when inserted
write: format C:

Answer 8

OK
first make the CD driver your firt boot, then restart it and put Windoes CD in your drive and follow the instruction there
But I guess it si better to let some one do that for you

Answer 9

insert your living house windows CD then go with your boot up device to be the CD-ROM you're making use of then restart... (you go with the device in the boot up via urgent the delete button appropriate while your pc is switched on...) then follow the learning. solid success!

Answer 10

get win xp install cd